shelly B.
Traveler
TravelerGreen Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
So quite
Nice sites. Came in w a 30ft toy hauler. So green and very peaceful Sites are close to the road but road isn’t to bad. Drive in was not difficult
Camping near Elberta, MI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options around Elberta, Michigan include a blend of developed campgrounds and rustic sites nestled along Lake Michigan and inland waterways. Several campgrounds operate in the region, including Betsie River Campsite in nearby Frankfort and Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, approximately 15 miles northwest. Most camping areas provide accommodations for both tent and RV camping, with several sites also offering cabin rentals. The region's camping infrastructure ranges from basic facilities to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups, water access, and modern amenities.
Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping availability in the Elberta area, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Winter camping options are limited, though some facilities like Platte River Campground remain open year-round. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds provide drinking water and restroom facilities, though amenities vary by location. Access to sites generally requires no special vehicle requirements, with paved roads leading to most established campgrounds. Campers should note that the region experiences significant seasonal weather shifts. "Nice quiet campground and close to the small town of Frankfort. The campground is along the Betsie river and they offer a fish cleaning station," noted one visitor about Betsie River Campsite.
The proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore represents a primary draw for campers in the Elberta region. Waterfront access at several campgrounds allows for fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. Campers frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere at local campgrounds, with one review describing Betsie River Campsite as a place that "feels like campgrounds should! It is a small, family-run place." Several campgrounds in the area feature access to paved bike trails connecting to nearby towns, particularly the path from Betsie River Campsite to Frankfort. The region provides a good mix of natural settings while maintaining proximity to small towns with services and attractions. Shaded sites are available at most campgrounds, though density varies, with some reviews noting sites can be "close together" at certain facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Elberta (175)
1. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
"One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."
"Lots of campsites 30 to 50 feet away from the roadway offering appropriate privacy. Woods and bushes separating campsites. Shower houses in excellent condition and clean. Pads for tents in place."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Betsie River Campsite
"Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."
"Very quiet campground and close to the small town of Frankfort. The campground is along the Betsie river and they offer a fish cleaning station."
from $33 - $85 / night
Check Availability3. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
"Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash."
"DH Day campground is the perfect rustic camping spot in Northern Michigan. All campsites are within easy walking distance to a beautiful Lake Michigan beach."
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Indigo Bluffs RV Park
"It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."
"This is one of my favorite campgrounds and it’s located in our favorite vacation destination!"
5. Kampvilla Park, LLC
"Very clean campground, friendly, polite people all around, great pool and real nice “event” room. Nice clean (2) bathhouses, and one family bathhouse, also very nice."
"This campground has very clean bathrooms, a pool, park to play and close proximity to lots of things to do."
6. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability7. Rvino - Timberline, LLC
"We are tucked into some mature shade trees with Fantastic atmosphere of families around."
from $32 - $92 / night
Check Availability8. Orchard Beach State Park Campground
"Pretty standard Michigan State Park campground. Nice staff. Park maintenance is currently building a wood fence to keep folks away from steep bluff edge. Views of Lake Michigan fairly limited."
"Clean park with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Unfortunately no access to beach because of erosion. Typical site sizes for Michigan State Park. Walk across the road for a 2 mile hike in the woods."
from $36 - $120 / night
Check Availability9. Platte River State Forest
"In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground
"Walked through to check it out and the sites are large and nice looking!"
"We forgot to grab firewood, but they came around every night with a truckload of wood! $10 for a full wheelbarrow of wood and they stacked it up next to the firepit for us."
from $35 - $52 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 47 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 58 min from Muskegon, MI
- 4 hrs 13 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 4 hrs 25 min from Green Bay, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Elberta, MI
374 Photos of 175 Elberta Campgrounds
Nicole T.
Betsie River Campsite
The Dyrt
Betsie River Camp Site
Bettyanne D.
Llovely Meadows Campground
Horizon M.
Rvino - Timberline, LLC
Nikki M.
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Kendra @.
Camp Squid Off The Grid
The Dyrt
White Pine Backcountry Camp — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Chris R.
Kampvilla Park, LLC
Amber C.
Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground
Bryan S.
Platte River State Forest
Lacey D.
Empire Township Campground
John N.
Healy Lake State Forest Campground
Recent Reviews near Elberta, MI
916 Reviews of 175 Elberta Campgrounds
Katie S.
ScoutTimber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
Do not Recommend
I have been a returning guest at Timber Ridge RV& Recreation Resort for two years, and until now, I genuinely believed this campground would become my family’s yearly vacation spot. We enjoyed the amenities, the convenience of the on‑site store, and the community atmosphere. My husband and I even brought additional guests with us and encouraged others to stay here. The Halloween activities were especially memorable for my grandkids, and for a long time, Timber Ridge felt like a second home. Unfortunately, my recent experience with their strict cancellation policy has changed my view of the park entirely. Timber Ridge enforces a non‑refundable policy for any reservation canceled within 30 days of arrival, regardless of circumstances. This policy is applied exactly as written, with no flexibility. Even when cancellations are caused by unavoidable life events— such as work obligations or family emergencies— Timber Ridge does not offer partial refunds, reduced fees, credits, or reasonable compromises. In 2022, management exercised discretion and issued me a partial refund with a$25 processing fee, even though that cancellation was also inside the 30‑day window. That experience made me believe Timber Ridge valued loyalty and understood that life can be unpredictable. However, they have now stated that this past accommodation does not set any precedent, and they no longer consider similar situations eligible for exceptions. Their current stance reflects a strictly business‑first approach, with no meaningful consideration for returning guests or individual circumstances. I also attempted to negotiate a fair compromise that would benefit both myself and the business— including partial credit, a reduced refund, or a courtesy reschedule. My attempt at negotiation was ignored entirely, and their reply treated the suggestion as though it were inappropriate. Their emails included snide, dismissive remarks that reframed my words, minimized my reservation history, and implied I had mischaracterized my experience. This tone made it clear that customer‑focused problem‑solving is no longer part of their approach. The FAQ mentions the possibility of a one‑time courtesy reschedule, but Timber Ridge clarified that this is optional and not guaranteed. In my case, no reschedule, credit, or refund was offered. While I understand the need for clear policies, the rigid enforcement of this one— without empathy, discretion, or any willingness to work with guests— significantly impacts the guest experience. Policies that prioritize revenue protection over customer satisfaction can discourage repeat visitors and undermine the sense of community that many families value in a long‑term camping destination. Based on this experience, I will be seeking other accommodations in the future. I hope Timber Ridge considers how strictly applying this policy affects guests who previously viewed the resort as a second home.
- JJustin B.Traveler
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Platte is always a good stay
It is a great base camp for paddling the Platte river and the Betsy river.
- SSusan L.Scout
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Amazing
Great site, bathroom very close.
- AAaron T.Traveler
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Perfect spots, quiet, and safe
I stayed here solo for two nights, but had to switch my spot due to scheduling conflicts, but both spots were absolutely amazing. They were mostly private, and I really liked that there was a boundary. Both spots I stayed in had spots for a hammock or a clothesline.
It is a pretty big campground, so expect families and group noice throughout the day, but everyone is kind, and courteous. And everyone respects the quiet time at 10pm.
As a solo camper, I felt completely safe, and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here!
- CCindyScout
Rvino - Timberline, LLC
Good North Country Camping
Sites are large enough, clean campground, staff polite, facilities were very clean. Camp store closes very early. We would return.
Robert M.TravelerWhitewater Township Park Campground
White Water Township Park, West Michigan
The park has 53 campsites I was satisfied with site size and separation from other sites. Camped on a Ridge View site. Site had picnic table and firepit.
I normally don't use electric hook-up, but all sites had them. There are scenic paths down to Elk Lake. The bathhouse has showers and restrooms. All were clean and showers had ample hot water. Some people have complained about only one bathhouse. Normally camping in rustic or dispersed areas I had no problem with that. I thought $45. was expensive for a township park but I guess it was in line with other parks' sites having electric hook-ups. As I said I normally do rustic or in dispersed camping. There are no water hook ups but there is a water fill station next to bathhouse. and 2 others near office. The campground has a dump station. It also has a boat launch with a large parking area in the lower park area. The campground was well kept.
The Township Park is only 10 miles, or 15 minutes west of Elk River where the Paddle Antrim group have a recently completed a beautiful Kayak/Paddle board launch site which is part of the "Chain of Lakes Waterway," at Rotary Park. It has wonderful water access with a handicap or "Easi-launch". There are also restrooms and a boat-wash and a posted map.
I was there for a celebration of that completion.
The only other campground close is expensive, (I believe the cheapest site was $75 per night), and packed tightly.
- AAngie S.
GuideNorthern Exposure Campground & RV Park
Beautiful views, but don’t expect quite
The day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?
- Mary H.
RangerButtersville Park Campground
Great location; packed-in sites
Came in on a Sunday, and the campground was packed. With a few exceptions, the sites are super close together. That’s not my preference, but it was clear many campers come in groups booking several neighboring sites, and it was fun to see everyone enjoying themselves. We were fortunate to have one of the larger sites(#3), which gave us plenty of room. The location is outstanding, perched on a Lake Michigan bluff with 70+ stairs leading to the beach. If stairs aren't great for you, you can also access the beach from the public park just around the corner. The campground staff was friendly and helpful at check-in, and they sell quality firewood at a reasonable price. The shower house was in good condition, though the women's bathroom could have been cleaner. The pit toilets near our site also needed attention. If you're looking for privacy and spacious, secluded camping, this probably isn't the campground for you. But if you enjoy a lively, family-friendly atmosphere in an amazing location, it's worth considering.
Guide to Elberta
Near Elberta, Michigan, camping options stretch along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan at elevations ranging from 580 to 780 feet above sea level. The region experiences a humid continental climate with lake effect conditions causing summer temperatures to average 75°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited winter access due to heavy snowfall that averages over 100 inches annually in certain areas.
What to do
Kayaking on Platte River: Accessible from Platte River Campground with launch areas near the entrance. "Kayaked the North branch, which was winding and fast moving. Go when they release the salmon from the hatchery - you feel all the salmon brush against your kayak as they swim upstream!" notes Joyce B. about Platte River Campground.
Biking on paved trails: The Betsie Valley Trail runs directly in front of Betsie River Campsite. "There is a paved trail that runs by the campground, and it's less than a 3 mile walk/bike ride to downtown Frankfort and the lakeshore, which has a ton of things to do," reports Chris W. from Betsie River Campsite.
Beach access and swimming: Several campgrounds offer Lake Michigan beach access. "We were a mile walk to the lake and even less to the River where salmon were swimming upstream as we canoed," according to Lori L. at Platte River Campground. Some beaches require short drives rather than walking directly from campsites.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at certain campgrounds. "The sites in the three loops are nicely placed so that you have foliage and space between sites but also close enough for larger groups to spread out and still feel like they are camping in a group," writes Anne G. about Platte River Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are frequently mentioned. "Bathroom facilities were excellent and clean. Firewood is available to purchase in the campground," notes Scott D. from D.H. Day Campground.
Family-run campgrounds: The personal touch at smaller operations stands out. "The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so very crowded," observes Deb M. at Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground.
What you should know
Site availability and reservations: Prime sites fill extremely quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Reservations are extremely hard to get for this park. If you want a weekend campsite, you must book six months in advance!" warns Stephanie C. about Platte River State Forest.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity occurs in some campgrounds. "Was told a black bear visits the campgrounds at least once a week, but is not much a nuisance as long as campers store their food in the car," mentions Joyce B. about Platte River Campground.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant temperature variations. "Stopped for a night on a road trip around Lake Michigan. Campgrounds was clean, and so were the toilets/showers. There were hiking trails close by, but wish they were clearly marked," reports Joyce B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer better play facilities than others. "There is a room in the bathhouse that is for washing dishes. This made it very convenient and I was very impressed with that," notes Stephanie C. about Platte River Campground.
Beach proximity matters: Walking distance to swimming areas varies widely between campgrounds. "The campround is wonderful. Most sites are very large, shaded, private and have level areas for tents or campers. There is a (long) walking trail to the beach, and many areas to hike, fish or tube down a river nearby," explains Andrea B.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain stricter quiet hours than others. "This tiny little family owned campground is one of our favorites. The sites are smaller, but comfortable with lots of shade trees and a handful of cabins. There are no activities, pools, etc! But there is a DELICIOUS little café serving up inexpensive, filling breakfasts each morning," reports Allison H. from Kampvilla Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have deceptively uneven sites. "Sites look level but it's deceiving. Bath house was so so. Manager on duty the day we arrived was having a personal meltdown and took it out on us when we asked to move our assigned site to the one next to us," warns Sharon H. about Betsie River Campsite.
Full hookup availability: Full service sites with water and sewer connections are limited in the region. "The sites, bathrooms and pool are clean. They spray for bugs so there's not too many creepy crawlies or biting bugs in the campground. Plus there's no poison ivy!" shares Mindy C. about Indigo Bluffs RV Park.
Tight access at some parks: RVers report difficulty navigating certain campgrounds. "This was an awesome campground but was kinda tight getting camper into our campsite. It's really nice that it's a short trip down the road to Manistee," notes Nick B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elberta, MI?
What camping is available near Elberta, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elberta, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Elberta, MI and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elberta, MI?
Which is the most popular campground near Elberta, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elberta, MI is Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a 4.8-star rating from 68 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elberta, MI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elberta, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Elberta, MI.
What parks are near Elberta, MI?
What parks are near Elberta, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Elberta, MI that allow camping, notably Sleeping Bear Dunes and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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